We all want our families to stay safe and warm this winter. A recent American Red Cross poll found that almost half of us use heating alternatives such as space heaters, fireplaces or wood stoves in the winter months. With the rise in fires these past few weeks, the Red Cross urges you to take steps to keep your family warm and safe this winter season.

1. Keep all potential fuel sources, including newspapers, matches, bedding and clothing, at least three feet away from heat sources. Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended.

2. Every household needs two important items … a working smoke detector on every level of your home and a home fire escape plan. Your plan should include at least two ways to evacuate and a place where you will meet a safe distance from your home.

Fire devastates more Americans each year than all natural disasters combined. Take steps now to keep your family safe and prevent a fire this heating season. Join with us in minimizing the number of fires this year.